SATCOM IoT Specialist (SIS)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The SATCOM IoT Specialist (SIS) certification is designed for:

• Satellite Communications Professionals: Engineers and technicians working on integrating IoT devices with SATCOM networks for industrial, defense, and commercial applications.

• IoT and Telecommunications Engineers: Professionals designing and deploying IoT solutions requiring satellite-based connectivity for remote and global operations.

• Cybersecurity & Network Engineers: Experts responsible for securing IoT networks, managing device authentication, and implementing encryption protocols over SATCOM links.

• Government & Defense Personnel: Operators and specialists working in military or government programs integrating IoT with SATCOM for reconnaissance, logistics, and asset tracking.

• Agriculture, Energy, and Logistics Professionals: Industry specialists utilizing satellite-enabled IoT for precision agriculture, fleet management, offshore energy operations, and environmental monitoring.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in telecommunications, electrical engineering, or cybersecurity looking to specialize in IoT-SATCOM integration.

ELIGIBILITY

The SATCOM IoT Specialist (SIS) certification is designed for professionals working in IoT and satellite communications. Ideal candidates must:

• Verify they fit one of the “who is this for” categories.

• Meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Be able to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Operate a computer for email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. IoT Fundamentals in SATCOM

1.1. Define the Internet of Things (IoT) and its role in satellite communications.
1.2. Explain key IoT components: sensors, actuators, gateways, and network protocols.
1.3. Identify industries utilizing SATCOM IoT solutions, including:
1.3.1. Agriculture and precision farming.
1.3.2. Logistics and supply chain tracking.
1.3.3. Environmental and remote monitoring.

2. IoT Communication Protocols for Satellite Networks

2.1. Compare IoT-specific communication protocols:
2.1.1. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport).
2.1.2. CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol).
2.1.3. LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) standards.
2.2. Explain the challenges of transmitting IoT data over satellite networks.
2.3. Identify advantages and limitations of various SATCOM IoT connectivity options.

3. Low-Latency Connectivity with LEO and MEO Satellites

3.1. Describe the role of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites in IoT connectivity.
3.2. Compare LEO vs. GEO connectivity for IoT applications.
3.3. Explain inter-satellite links (ISLs) and their impact on IoT data transmission.
3.4. Describe real-world examples of IoT-enabled LEO/MEO satellite constellations.

4. Secure Device Authentication in SATCOM IoT

4.1. Explain the importance of authentication and encryption in IoT SATCOM networks.
4.2. Identify IoT security frameworks and best practices.
4.3. Compare authentication methods:
4.3.1. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
4.3.2. Multi-factor authentication for IoT devices.
4.4. Describe security vulnerabilities in IoT-SATCOM integration and mitigation strategies.

5. IoT Data Management and Processing in SATCOM Networks

5.1. Describe data aggregation and processing techniques for SATCOM IoT applications.
5.2. Explain cloud-based vs. edge computing for IoT over satellite networks.
5.3. Identify best practices for handling large-scale IoT data sets in low-bandwidth environments.

6. Power and Energy Considerations for IoT SATCOM Devices

6.1. Identify energy-efficient IoT device designs for satellite-based applications.
6.2. Explain power management techniques for remote IoT sensors.
6.3. Compare battery-powered, solar-powered, and energy-harvesting IoT solutions.

7. Emerging Technologies in SATCOM IoT

7.1. Analyze the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing IoT data over satellite networks.
7.2. Explore blockchain-based security solutions for IoT satellite networks.
7.3. Identify future trends in SATCOM IoT, including 6G and next-generation satellite constellations.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The SATCOM IoT Specialist (SIS) certification aligns with military and defense roles integrating IoT with satellite communications. Relevant military job codes include:

• 25S – Army Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer

• 25Q – Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer

• Space Force SATCOM Operator & Engineering Roles

• Navy IT (Information Systems Technician) – Specializing in network and SATCOM IoT integration

• Marine Corps 0627 – Satellite Communications Operator

• Defense & Aerospace Engineers in IoT-SATCOM Solutions

This certification is valuable for engineers, technicians, and defense contractors working on IoT solutions requiring secure and reliable satellite connectivity.